Aotearoa New Zealand is a unique country, with a spectacular variety of landscapes, ecosystems and native species. But climate change is putting increasing pressure on our natural environment, and along with it our wellbeing, safety, security, economic prosperity and cultural identity. Many communities, iwi and hapū across Aotearoa had first-hand experience of this when cyclones and floods caused widespread damage across the East Coast and Auckland earlier this year.

The evidence contained in this report highlights the pressures brought by a changing climate. For the first time, the report also considers what might lie ahead for New Zealand's climate and atmosphere. This represents an important shift in the approach to environmental reporting and it is designed to improve public awareness and understanding of these issues, and support better environmental decision-making.